Fortunino Matania 'The Execution of Anne Boleyn' ink on paper
Fortunino Matania 'The Execution of Anne Boleyn' ink on paper the queen that used promiscuousness, adultery and secret disloyalty as its basis – news that was guaranteed to arouse the worst elements of Henry’s characteristics of pride, anger and suspicion. And whatever Cromwell did, he made sure he had the king’s authority to proceed towards ending Anne’s status. No action that touched the king’s dignity so closely could be orchestrated without his agreement. Cromwell used all his experience of the twists of Tudor power politics to target the informal and playful aspects of Anne’s court. He monitored and interrogated those who were on the periphery of Anne’s circle, such as the musician Mark Smeaton, or others, like Henry Norris, who were familiar with Anne but who moved in and out of high favour. A case of adultery and incest was assembled. Her brother George Boleyn, and men of the king’s chamber – Francis Weston, William Brereton, Norris, and Smeaton – became her accomplices ...